Actor-turned-politician and former spokesman for Peter Obi’s 2023 presidential campaign, Kenneth Okonkwo, has dismissed a N5 billion defamation demand from the former Labour Party presidential candidate, claiming the move is nothing more than an attempt to raise campaign funds.
Okonkwo, reacting to reports that Obi had threatened legal action against him over alleged defamatory comments, challenged his former political ally to proceed to court, insisting he had no intention of backing down.
“It has been brought to my notice that there is a letter circulating online from the hypocrite, Peter Obi, and his lawyers that I should pay him N5 billion.
Hahaha!” Okonkwo wrote on his X account.
“If Peter Obi is looking for money to campaign, he should privately ask me for assistance, not come from extortion, and I will help him.”
The former campaign spokesman was responding to a letter dated June 9, 2026, in which Obi, through his lawyer, Alex Ejesieme (SAN), demanded N5 billion in damages, a public apology and retraction over statements allegedly made by Okonkwo during an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily programme.
Obi’s legal team accused Okonkwo of making false and malicious claims linking him to bribery, extortion, fraud and other criminal conduct, describing the allegations as defamatory and injurious to his reputation.
The lawyers demanded that Okonkwo withdraw the statements within seven days, issue an unreserved public apology and undertake not to publish further defamatory remarks.
However, Okonkwo appeared unfazed by the threat of legal action, saying he would only respond formally after reviewing the letter.
“It will be a shame to Peter Obi and his lawyers if they do not take this case to court. I don’t have time or patience for scammers,” he said.
The Nollywood veteran further claimed that he personally financed parts of his involvement in Obi’s presidential campaign, including transportation and accommodation costs during campaign activities.
“I did so when I was his spokesperson, paying for my flight tickets and booking for my hotel accommodation to some of our campaigns,” he stated.
In what appeared to be a warning shot ahead of a possible court battle, Okonkwo suggested that legal proceedings could expose information he obtained while serving as Obi’s spokesman.
“Let me sound this note of warning, the lawyers must take responsibility for any information I may have to divulge, which I acquired as a spokesperson, but which by my conscience I have not shared with anyone.
“Anyone who decides to sue his former spokesperson for defamation is indeed very unwise,” he added.
The latest exchange underscores the deepening rift between Obi and Okonkwo, once prominent allies during the 2023 presidential election campaign, whose relationship has since deteriorated amid a series of public disagreements over political developments and opposition politics.
